Ronald Koeman claims turned down two Premier League returns after his Everton failure.
Koeman was sacked as Blues manager in October following a dismal start to the season that had left the club perilously close to the relegation zone.
An early Europa League group stage exit compounded the Dutchman’s plight before a 5-2 humiliation by Arsenal forced the Goodison Park hierarchy’s hand.
Sam Allardyce eventually succeeded Koeman this week but the ex-Southampton boss has revealed that he had a chance to rejoin the English top flight.
Koeman was linked with West Ham, Leicester City and West Brom but admits a lack of closure from his Everton tenure made a swift return to management.
“When the results are below all expectations, you know as a manager that people can make decisions about you. And yet, it still hit me like a bolt out the blue.
“I had started something at Everton and I really wanted to finish it in a good way. This is why my disappointment is bigger than ever before.
“I have to be realistic and I am not moaning about it. I need to put those feelings of disappointment away first.
“This is the reason why I’ve not taken any of the offers – the offers were there immediately after leaving Everton.
“I had a few offers from the Premier League and a few more elsewhere in Europe.”